Chicago: Final Day

We went to the zoo again on Sunday before we left for the airport so we could see The Sparks girls again.

Ross loved this carved out tree! When you crawled in there was some glass there and you could get a good look at the animals.

Photgraphy by Ross. He's getting really good!

He also loved this water fountain.

One of the highlights of the morning was he found an empty stage and boy did he put on a show! (videos in the next post)

This was an old car that they made into a popcorn stand.

The absolute highlight of the morning was going to the playground across the street from the zoo. That's all Ross had wanted to do our whole trip and he finally got his wish.

He finally talked McKenna into swinging with him and you can tell my her face that she liked it.

We said good-bye at the park, none of us wanted to go but the kids ended up giving big hugs to each other.

From the park we went back to Mr. Phillip's and he took us to the airport. We had such a great time with him!



Picking Dandelions

Chicago Day 3

Saturday we met up with McKenna and Mrs. Danielle! McKenna was actually excited about it but she wasn't too keen on Ross taking her picture so early in the morning.

Headed to Lincoln Park Zoo.

We rode the bus there which stopped a few blocks away from the zoo. We walked pass a park area that had TONS of dandelions and the kids were in Heaven!

Obviously they don't suffer from allergies.

If you enter from the back side of the zoo you go to the farm part. Ross was quite happy to see a John Deere.

He actually waited in a line for a good bit to get on the tractor. Now of course he could ride his Poppie's tractor anytime but a true JD lover can never pass up a tractor. He let McKenna on too.

This was an interactive game where you sorted the different types of seeds. He really liked it.

He said "take me a picture".

Ross had the camera again. I think McKenna is his muse.

He's getting pretty good at it. If you remember he used to chop heads off a couple of years ago.

Selfie. I loved looking through the camera at the little finds. Of course he also deleted a few that I'd really wanted.

After nap and Daddy finished his golf game we went to the John Hancock bldg. (over rated in my opinion, but the kids liked it)

It has a great view of Navy Pier. We ran out of time and didn't get to go there. Next time!

It was so great to see them together again. They always pick up like they've never missed a day.

Window washers.

Escalators. Ross was happy he got to ride a few times.

We ended the day eating pizza at a great little cafe that only served outside.

Chicago Day 2

We started the day at Shedd Aquarium. I really thought Ross would love it but he wasn't overly impressed.

They had huge aquariums all over - some with fish above your head and below your feet.

His main like was all the interactive screens they had for you to learn about the fish.

There were sharks in this one.

The day we were there was their fist day to open the sting ray exhibit. It was very cool. You could put your hand in the water and touch the sting rays as they swam by. They were quite soft on the wing part with a touch of gooey.

The view from Shedd. Navy Pier is behind Ross and you could see the big ferris wheel.

Up next was the Cubs game. Dad was quite happy about this activity.

Ross was quite excited about getting a hot dog and nachos.

We had excellent seats!

Ross went down to say hi to the Mets that were in the dugout. They came out and said hi. Ross and I left shortly after that but we got the full experience. Beer spilled on us, stranger licked his finger to clean Ross' face, and the boys got their beloved hot dogs.

That evening we went to a Mexican restaurant for dinner. Ross loved the atmosphere and they gave him some tortilla dough. He watched them make tortillas about 80% of the time we were there. Sweet boy tried to give it back to them as we were leaving but they said he could keep it. :)

Once we got back to Phillip's we walked to the yogurt shop. It was a short walk that took a long time b/c there were a lot of opportunities to practice your balance.

Chicago Day 1

We went to Chicago last week for vacation and to meet up with McKenna and Mrs. Danielle. Once Ross realized I was packing he immediately got busy getting his essentials together.

 The boy is a pro at flying now. He loves it and has always done so great! Let's hope Avery does as well.

We stayed with our good friend Mr. Phillip. He was the best host! He had Ross a tent set up in our room and he loved it!

He even had us slippers. I meant to bring a pair home with me.

Once we got settled we decided to go to Michigan Ave and walk for a while. Ross loved all the beautiful flowers.

He even found a carnation that someone had dropped and saved it for McKenna.

His first experience at a Disney store. He is a fan. He picked out a Woody and Bullseye.

Next stop was the Hershey store. Ross got a cupcake.

The cold milk was delicious.

Next was a trip to Macy's where we rode the escalators up 8 floors. While there Ross found some hats. I would have bought one for him b/c I loved it but I knew he'd never wear it. When accessorizing with hats it is best to layer.

We followed up the day with pizza and a bubble bath. Ross loved the big bath tub.